Doll and means for changing the features thereof



P. R. AUBE 2,507,394

DOLL AND MEANS FOR CHANGING THE FEATURES THEREOF May 9, 195.0

Filed Aug. 2, 1946' fezer 223442166 YEW a INVEN TOR.

Arrow 1 Patented May 9, 1950 DOLL ANDMEANS FORGHANGING man FEATURES THEREOF Peter R. Aube, "MinedlRfNfY. Application-August 2, 1946,--1Serial No.=687;881 4 This invention relates to dolls of that type capable of changes in its facial expression. The object of the present invention is primarily to pro. vide a mechanism of most simple construction for effecting a variety of expressions of the face of the doll.

The mechanism for altering the facial expression of the doll, at the will of the operator, is in accordance with my invention, composed of a minimum number of parts and at the same time is easy and positive in its operation.

The invention, together with the stated and other objects, as will appear as the description proceeds, will be best understood from the following detailed description read in reference to the accompanying drawings in which are illustrated what are presently considered preferred embodiments of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through the head of a doll embodying the features of the present invention, certain parts being shown in elevation;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantally on line 22 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 s a fragmentary horizontal detail sectional view taken substantially on the line 3--3 of Figure 1;

Figure l is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken substantially on line i@ of Figure 2.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a hollow skull I! formed of any suitable material and simulating the skull of a human being, with the exception that in the front thereof, there is provided in that region where normally the nose, mouth and chin are located, an opening l2.

For substantially the entire front or forward half thereof, the hollow head I! is provided with a central recess I3. Fitted over this mentioned half of the skull I is a cover M of elastic material; the covering Id being extended over the opening |2 as shown.

Preferably the covering i4 is of flesh color and is molded or otherwise formed to have the appearance of a countenance, embodying such characteristcs of a counterance as eyes (not shown). nose I 5, month l6, and chin H.

The covering i4 is so formed as to be easily slipped over the skull and at the edges thereof,

the covering I4 is cemented or otherwise positively secured to the skull l l.

The covering M in the region of the nose, mouth and chin, and which portion is extended over the opening l2, has a flat area indicated generally at l8. This flat area I8 is substantially Claim-s. (01346- 135) of ovate contour and on the inner side of the covering, is rimmed by a continuous bead I9. Bead I9 is provided on the covering Hi preferably by being molded or otherwise being formed integrally therewith. This bead I9 is also provided with a continuous internal groove 2!] which accommodates the edge portion of a circular plate or disc 2|. The disc 2| may be made of metal or other suitable material and is movable over the areas l8, but its extent of movement being confined, as is apparent, by the bead I9. Because of the shape of the bead 9 and disc 2|, movement of the latter will obviously effect a distortion of the elastic covering I4, resulting in varying the facial expression of the doll.

For effecting movement of the disc 2| and thus change the facial expression, there is provided a manually manipulated lever 22. This lever is preferably of the sinuous shape shown to advantage in Figure 1 and adjacent one end thereof is mounted to rock on a shaft 23 that extends transversely of the skull |l interiorly of the latter. Socket lugs provided internally of the skull H and at opposite sides of the skull, accommo date the ends of the shaft or'rod 23. The free end of the lever 22 extends through a slot 25 provided in the back of the skull adjacent the neck formation 26 and extends outwardly so as to be readily accessible for manipulation exteriorly of the skull.

Rocking movement of the lever 22 is transmitted to the disc 2| for effecting up and down movements of the latter through the medium of a connecting link 28. Link 28 is pivoted at one end to the inner end of the lever 22 as at 2B and at the opposite end thereof, link 28 is pivoted as at 29 to a bifurcated lug 30 provided on one side of disc 2| as shown to advantage in Figures 1 and 4.

When downward pressure is applied to the free end of lever 22, the latter will rock in a direction to cause the disc 2| to move upwardly within the confines of the bead I9. As the disc moves upwardly, the edges of the same will force the cheek area of the covering l4 upward and outward in the direction of the ears (not shown) causing the edges of the mouth IE to raise, and the eyes (not shown) to close slightly, thus giving a smiling expression to the face. Movement of the lever 22 in an opposite direction to cause a downward movement of the disc 2! will effect a change in the smiling expression, the degree of downward movement of the disc producing either a normal reposed facial expressionor a crying facial expression, as may be desired.

While I have herein described what I believe the head, a disc having a working fit within the confines of said head, and a link connection between one end of said lever and said disc for transmitting movement of the lever to the disc and thereby impart a composite movement to the elastic rate for varying the facial expression.

2. Aj'doll having a, hollow head of which the face isconstructed of elastic material having the appearance of a countenance, a member mounted on the inner side of the face material and movable thereover, means on the inner side of the face material and circumjacent said member for limiting movement of the latter, a lever pivotally mounted within the hollow of said head, and means pivotally connecting the lever with'said member for transmitting movement of the lever to said member for varying the facial expression.

PETER R. AUBE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 962,154 Lemon June 21, 1910 1,506,340 Graham Aug. 26, 1924 1,978,337 Bowers Oct. 23, 1934 2,045,962 Rastetter June 30, 1936 

